Yesterday I decided to start with replacing the expansion tank and the fog lamp on my 98 XK8.

For both, I did not get very far. Here are my stpuid questions..
1. On the expansion tank, all the hoses are connected with clamps. How do I get the clamps off? I have seen all sorts of other clamps, but never looked in detail at these. (Keep in mind, my eyesight is not what is used to be as well!)
2. What size is the Torx screw on the expansion tank? The one thing I know, is that I don't have it..
3. Since the expansion tank replace was not going to work, I decided to do the fog lamp. The glass of the lamp has a nice hole in it.. Since it is impossible to see through the little flap thing in the wheelarch, I decided to remove the wheel and the wheelarch as was described in the forum. The wheel arch is held in place with three different types of screws, of which one is, you geussed it, another Torx screw. Could someone please tell me the size of the Torx I need, and is it the same size as the expansion tank?

Those are my three stpuid questions for the day. Thanks in advance!

 

Not stupid questions at all.

1) Squeeze them. It is basically a metal band with a sort of hook stamped into it so if you use a pair of pliers and squeeze the raised parts toward each other you can unhook it.

2) T27 on my car.

3) Seems to be the same size as the tank, also a T27.

 

Torx screws without much torque can be addressed with the odd hex wrench. Don't try this with Torx bolts.

 

You should be able to pick up a small set of torx sockets anywhere for under $20. Save yourself some grief and get one. These cars are full of torx screws.

Harbor freight always has them on sale.

 

Try this link. Question Normaclamp Cobra Hose Clamps - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Be careful about the Torx sockets that you purchase. I learned the hard way. I had a set of cheap sockets when I attempted to remove my passenger seat. The Torx shaft twisted and broke. Tried it again with another socket that was advertised as a impact socket, same thing. Then on the advice of someone on this forum I purchased a Snap-On socket, for $25, it worked fine. I have since learned that Kobalt sockets were just as robust at a lower price. Lesson learned: sometimes to be frugal is to be foolish.

 

You could also buy a spring clamp tool- not too expensive and well worth it. I have used every penny of mine.

 

Nice one CC

totally agree on no stupid questions, thats the attitude we try to keep here.

Thanks

 

It's not all that unusual for me to have morning coffee while in the garage so I just popped the bonnet and checked.

Plus I've played "guess that tool" many times, so the frustration is familiar. Goes kind of like this:

Step 1: Drive to hardware store
Step 2: Stand in front of tool rack for 5 minutes
Step 3: Pick up the 3 options that are imperceptibly different in size
Step 4: Stand another 5 minutes
Step 5: Give up and buy all 3 because you don't want to come back to the store

Over the years I've amassed quite a collection of "almost fits" tools and bits and whatnot.

Glad I can save someone else from that fun.

 

I seem to have steps 1 thru 4 down pat. However my step 5 is pick one to buy, followed by step 6, go back to hardware store. And repeat as necessary.